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Anticipated Features and Specs of Apple AirPods Pro 3: What to Expect in 2025

Isaac Brown

Apple’s highly anticipated AirPods Pro 3 earbuds are set to become the next premium addition to Apple’s audio lineup. Although concrete details remain sparse following the recent launch of the AirPods Pro 2, the upcoming third-generation model promises to keep fans intrigued with potential enhancements and new features. Expected to arrive in 2025, the AirPods Pro 3 may not see a price increase, holding steady with the AirPods Pro 2 at $249.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from the AirPods Pro 3, covering release date, price, design, hardware, battery life, and potential new features.

Release Date

Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo forecasts that the AirPods Pro 3 will debut in late 2024 or early 2025. This projection aligns with a recent report by Mark Gurman, who suggested a likely 2025 release. This timing feels right, especially as Apple recently unveiled updated AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C, alongside the new iPhone 16 lineup and AirPods 4, with no hints at a Pro update. As such, fans should expect the current AirPods Pro 2 to remain the flagship model for the near future.

Expected Price

The AirPods Pro 3 are expected to carry the same $249 price tag as their predecessor, the AirPods Pro 2. While Apple’s pricing strategies can sometimes shift due to design or feature updates, there are currently no strong indicators suggesting a price change. If Apple follows its usual approach, any updates may focus on internal improvements rather than major design overhauls, helping to keep the cost stable.

Design and Build

It’s anticipated that the AirPods Pro 3 will retain the recognizable white, rounded-square case and compact earbud design that has become iconic for the Pro lineup. The case will likely maintain its LED indicator on the front, a lanyard loop on the side, and speaker output at the bottom. Given that Apple switched the AirPods Pro 2 to USB-C charging, it’s likely this feature will remain standard on the AirPods Pro 3.

Moreover, Apple may decide to lean further into wireless technology by possibly focusing solely on wireless charging. This means that future models might eliminate a physical charging port altogether, supporting charging through MagSafe, Apple Watch chargers, and any Qi-certified wireless chargers.

As for the earbuds themselves, the design is expected to be consistent with the previous generation: sleek, white earbuds with rubber ear tips available in four sizes. They’ll continue featuring a touch-sensitive stem for squeeze-based controls, which has proven popular among users.

Hardware and Specifications

Though Apple hasn’t confirmed details, several upgrades are anticipated for the AirPods Pro 3 hardware. Based on recent developments and industry insights, these are the probable specs:

  • H3 Headphone Chip: The latest Apple silicon is expected to improve processing power and overall performance.
  • U2 Chip in Charging Case: Apple’s U2 chip for precise location tracking, adding convenience when locating misplaced earbuds.
  • Sweat and Water Resistance (IPX4): Both the earbuds and the charging case are likely to retain IPX4 sweat and water resistance, allowing for durability during workouts or exposure to light rain.
  • Advanced Charging Options: Charging options will probably include MagSafe and Apple Watch compatibility, with a universal USB Type-C option for wired charging.

A possible hearing test feature may debut on the AirPods Pro 3. Rumors indicate that this feature could play specific tones to assess hearing sensitivity, helping users monitor auditory health. The current Pro model is already registered as a hearing aid device, increasing the likelihood of expanded hearing-assistance features in the next model.

New Sensor Integrations

One of the most intriguing updates that may arrive with the AirPods Pro 3 is an ear-based body temperature sensor. Rumors suggest Apple is working on incorporating temperature-measuring technology within AirPods, allowing them to record body temperature more accurately through the ear canal. This would be an advancement from wrist-based measurements available on devices like the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra, potentially offering a more precise health-tracking feature.

Battery Life

The AirPods Pro 3 will likely aim for a battery life similar to that of the AirPods Pro 2, which delivers around 30 hours of listening time with a fully charged case. Battery efficiency could see minor improvements, but overall, users can expect dependable all-day performance, which has become a standard in Apple’s premium audio offerings.

Should You Wait for the AirPods Pro 3?

If you already own a pair of AirPods Pro 2, it may be worth waiting until 2025 for a substantial upgrade. With minimal changes expected in design and only incremental hardware improvements, the AirPods Pro 3 may be more appealing for those who haven’t yet upgraded to the AirPods Pro 2 or are using an earlier model. However, if Apple does release the speculated health-tracking features, such as temperature monitoring, it could be a game-changer for fitness enthusiasts and users focused on health metrics.